There is a difference between the two, even though they are often listed together. Corns cause more problems and are typically painful when pressed. They most commonly develop on areas that do not bear weight, such as the tops and sides of the toes. Corns are smaller than calluses, and they will be surrounded by inflamed skin. Calluses, on the other hand, tend not to be painful, so most people do not seek treatment for them. They can be much larger than corns, and they will commonly develop on the soles of the feet or palms of the hands.
What Causes Calluses and Corns?
Calluses and corns are a result of the skin’s developments to protect itself from excessive friction and pressure. This could be due to ill-fitting shoes, walking barefoot, or other catalysts. Shoes that are too tight, especially high heels, cause compression, which the body often answers with by developing calluses or corns. Not wearing socks or wearing ill-fitting socks could also cause problematic friction. Calluses on the hands, for instance, are often the result of repetitive activities like using hand tools, playing musical instruments, or engaging in other tasks that continuously exert pressure on the hands.
Certain issues within the bones of your feet may also increase the risk of developing these problems, such as bunions, hammertoes, bone spurs, and other foot deformities. If bones of your foot are prominent, you may be at a higher risk of rubbing against your shoe, causing repeated friction that leads to your skin developing calluses and corns to protect itself.
Treatment Options for Calluses and Corns
For most people, calluses and corns do not cause discomfort or pain, which means they may go without treatment. Typically, removing the cause of the problem will cause them to disappear over time as the skin no longer needs to be thicker in that area. However, treatment options exist for those who have excessive calluses or corns that cause pain, discomfort, or other problems. Even if you require treatment for removing the problem, you still should avoid the actions that led to its development.
For those who require treatment, several options are available. Podiatrists can trim away the excessive skin or pare down a callus by using a scalpel or other instruments. They may also use corn-removing medication, such as patches containing 40 percent salicylic acid. Over time, this removes the excess skin, especially in conjunction with the use of a pumice stone or emery board between patches. Schedule a consultation with Kansas City Foot Specialists today to get started!
If your corns or calluses are caused by some foot deformity, your podiatrist will prescribe specialized shoe inserts or perform surgery to correct the bone alignment. Those with diabetes are at greater risk of complications, due to poor blood flow to the feet. If you are in need of treatment for painful corns, calluses, or other foot problems, schedule online with Kansas City Foot Specialists today!
